The wireless provider flipped the switch on its LTE network in Columbia Friday morning, bringing faster download speeds to smartphones and gadgets compatible with the network, according to an AT&T press release.

AT&T joins Verizon Wireless as Columbia's only two LTE providers. The company also turned on the network in Greenville and Charleston Friday.

LTE, which stands for Long-Term Evolution and is commonly referred to as "4G," currently provides the fastest internet connections for wireless devices, the release states. Users connecting to the network can expect to download music and stream video up to 10 times faster than previously on AT&T's network.

Several of AT&T's current smartphone offerings are compatible with the company's LTE network, including the Apple iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy SIII. Some of the company's portable wireless hotspots and tablets are also compatible with the network.

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